1. Always be nice to people and treat them like you want to be treated.

2. Make lots of friends.

3. Never poach someone else’s kill. Accidents happen, but just explain the situation, apologize and let them to take the treasure, skin, etc.

4. Make friends.

5. Hunt in groups because you all share the learning, treasure, favor, etc.

6. Make comrades.

7. Always treat your elders with respect. They have visited the Inn quite a few times and deserve it. There may be people out there that behave immaturely that have a title but just stay away from them.

8. Always retain your manners. Be polite; don’t yell, sing or recite when it’s not necessary.

9. Tip people that do a service for you. If someone heals you, brings you back to life, opens a box for you, etc., give them a tip - no matter the size - so that they feel loved and appreciated.

10. And if I haven’t mentioned it already, make friends! If you do not have friends then you have lost what life is really about. It is not just hunt, rest, hunt, rest. If you have friends, you have people that care about you and will always be there for you. That is what life is really about.

Thank you for reading my little list of rules that will help you be a better citizen in this great big world of Elanthia. Whether you live in the Landing, Rest, Trace, or on Teras, if you follow these simple little rules things will nearly always go your way.

Although exchanging solves most "take-and-run" frauds, it does not solve "false advertisements". This is not a problem for items enchanted once or items with magical metal such as imflass or glaes because the buyer can ask the seller to show them the item first. This is also not a problem for well-known magical items and most Juggernaut items. For example, it is well known that all troll hide boots have one pocket. Asking on the Amunet can easily confirm the item's properties. Dyed items, items with multiple enchantments, and uncommon items are almost impossible to verify just by looking at the item.

There is no best way to solve this problem. As a merchant, I simply stopped trading those questionable items after getting burned multiple times. The safest way to check the item is to take it to the Abandoned Inn Magic Room and have the seller test it with the crystal. Going to the Magic Room is a long journey, especially during bad weather, so don't be surprised if the seller refuses.

Another approach is to ask to test out the item first. A super-gullible seller like myself might agree, but it's generally a lose-lose proposition for the seller.

One approach I use that works well is to only trade those questionable items with Lords or Ladies who look wealthy. Although 100k to most Lords and Ladies is petty cash, caution should still be used. Also, remember to exchange with them so that the trade is registered. So far, I never had to report on any Lord or Lady yet <crosses fingers>. Basically, exchange when you can and be cautious.

Game Mechanics:

Exchange:

Exchange <item> with <buyer name> for <amount> silvers

Yes, it's a long command. To speed things up, I have a hot key with all the key words filled in. And if I am waiting at a table for the buyer to show up, I execute the command before the buyer arrives so I can repeat it quickly.

If the buyer has a note, he has to hold the note in his RIGHT hand. The note also has to be greater than or equal to the <amount> you specified. Trades done with the Exchange command are also registered so the GMs can refer to it if needed. I found this command to be very useful when selling plenty of cheap stuff like crystal amulets. Instead of counting how many amulets I gave and how many coins I received, I just take the amulet out, exchange, and repeat. It's great for the buyer too. Just accept confirm, put amulet in cloak, and repeat.

Look:

Look <name>

I don't LOOK at everyone I trade with because the Exchange command is so safe. Occasionally, someone might say they can't exchange, or I might be buying something questionable. In those cases, looking at the other person will give valuable information as to their level, wealth, and class. I have had some adventurers wearing Newbie uniform ask me to give them a vultite broadsword in a sack first before they pay me. I just wonder how many people fell for that trick. <Raises my hand>

Show:

Show <item> to <name>

Showing the item first to the buyer before exchanging is good etiquette. It's a minor role-playing that is also practical when trading magic items. I just wish people can show the amount on a promissory note, or the intricate designs on a magic gold ring.